Medha’s visit to Sahgaadi Masjid
Medha Patkar a well renowned social activist and one who is at the helm of affairs where injustice is meted out visited Patna on 12.11.19. She was the guest of honor at the ‘Patna Book Fair’. Aashray Abhiyan being associated with NAPM for years we were delighted of her visit to Patna. A telephonic conversation on Sunday morning was a surprise wherein an opportunity was given to share with her the concerns of the urban poor and the insensitivity of the government.
At 5.00 pm she visited the community that reside behind the Haj Bhawan and interacted with the women. She was shocked to notice that the people do not have their huts beside the drain yet they are being tortured. The entire community is living in fear and insecurity. They are neither able to go to work and earn a livelihood nor are the children able to concentrate on their studies.
As Rukmani devi addressed the gathering she was nearly choked as to where will we go, we do not earn enough to buy a house on rent. The dreams of our children are at stake and a whole year will be lost if we do not stop the violation of these rights of the poor. Suman and Marsodan also expressed their pain at the prevailing situation that is existing and the fear of being evicted in the near future.
Medhaji also assured the community that they will have to untie and fight for their rights. She illustrated experiences of her own struggle at Narmada and in spite of their fight the struggle still continues. She assured the community that she would speak to the concerned persons, like the Chief Secretary, District Magistrate.
There is a hope that we need to build a strong resistance and sit in Satyagrah, so that we can take the struggle forward.